How to Clean Golf Club Driver

"I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post."

Wondering how to get your golf club driver clean and sparkling like new again? If so, you’ve come to the right place! Keeping your golf club driver in tiptop shape is an important part of the game – not only does it look great, but having a well-maintained club can give you more confidence when taking your shot.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to properly clean and care for your golf club driver, helping it stay just as good as when you first bought it.

How to Clean Golf Club Driver (Step by Step Instruction)

Gather the necessary supplies:

  • Soft bristle brush
  • Microfiber towels
  • Warm soapy water
  • Club polish or metal polish
  • Toothpicks or soft wooden sticks

Cleaning the Club Face and Head

STEP 1: Inspect the driver’s head and club face

Hold the golf club driver under a good light source and rotate it to examine its surface from all angles. Identify any visible marks, scratches, or areas of dirt. These areas will need extra attention during the cleaning process.

STEP 2: Gentle brushing to dislodge dirt and grass

Dip your soft bristle brush in warm soapy water and gently scrub the surface of the club driver. Thoroughly clean the clubface, paying particular attention to any grooves and indentations as these are spots where grime can accumulate.

STEP 3: Using toothpicks to clean grooves and hard-to-reach areas

To ensure a thorough clean, use toothpicks or soft wooden sticks to reach into the grooves and hard-to-reach areas. Be gentle when using these tools to avoid scratching or damaging your club. Once you have dislodged the dirt, wipe the club driver with a microfiber towel to remove the loosened debris.

STEP 4: Treating ball marks with warm soapy water

Ball marks can sometimes be stubborn and require extra attention. Dampen a microfiber towel with warm soapy water and gently rub the marks until they are removed. You may need to repeat this process a few times for more stubborn stains. Remember to be gentle to prevent damaging the club surface.

STEP 5: Utilizing specialized club polish for tough stains

For particularly stubborn stains or marks that don’t come off with just warm soapy water, try utilizing a specialized club polish. Apply a small amount of the club or metal polish to a microfiber towel and gently rub it into the stain. Once the stain is removed, wipe off the excess polish and buff the surface for a shiny finish.

STEP 6: Applying metal polish for a shine

For the final touch, apply a small amount of metal polish to a clean, dry microfiber towel. Gently rub the polish onto the surface of the club driver, taking care to evenly distribute it.

STEP 7: Buffing and wiping off excess polish

After applying the metal polish, allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, using another clean, dry microfiber towel, buff the surface of the club driver to remove any excess polish. Use a circular motion and apply gentle pressure to achieve a high shine.

Cleaning the Shaft and Grip

STEP 8: Using a damp microfiber cloth for light cleaning

If the shaft and grip of your golf club driver are not heavily soiled, a light cleaning may be sufficient. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with a little water and gently wipe the shaft and grip. Make sure to clean all surfaces, starting from the top and working your way down to the end of the grip.

STEP 9: Removing stubborn dirt with mild soapy water

For more stubborn dirt or stains on the shaft and grip, you may need to resort to mild soapy water. Mix a small amount of gentle soap in a bucket of warm water. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with this solution and gently scrub the shaft and grip. Be sure to cover all areas, paying particular attention to the grip where sweat and grime can accumulate. Once done, rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe the soap off the shaft and grip. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel to prevent any water from seeping into the grip.

STEP 10: Inspecting and assessing the severity of scratches

Scratches on your club driver can hamper its performance and aesthetic appeal. Inspect the club driver meticulously under a good light source. Pay close attention to the head and shaft which are prone to scratches. Assess the severity of the scratches – light surface scratches are usually less worrisome and easier to treat compared to deep scratches.

STEP 11: Applying shaft polish or light abrasive to minimize scratches

If your club driver has light surface scratches, a shaft or metal polish may be enough to minimize them. Apply a small amount of polish on a clean microfiber cloth and gently rub it onto the scratched area in a circular motion.

For deeper scratches, a light abrasive like fine sandpaper or metal polish may be necessary. Gently rub the abrasive on the scratches. Remember, the goal is to minimize the appearance of the scratch, not completely remove it as this could potentially damage the club.

You also can use toothpaste for saving money. Believe it or not, toothpaste can act as a mild abrasive and is often used as a DIY solution to address minor scratches on various surfaces. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scratched area and gently rub it in with a soft cloth.

After applying the polish or abrasive, use a clean microfiber cloth to buff the surface and wipe away any excess product. The scratches should appear less severe, and the club driver should look cleaner and shinier.

STEP 12: Drying and Applying Grip Enhancer for Longevity

After cleaning the grip, it’s crucial to let it dry completely before proceeding to the next step. Wipe off the excess water with a clean towel and leave the club to air dry. Do not use a hairdryer or any other overheating device as it could damage the grip material.

Once the grip is entirely dry, it’s time to apply a grip enhancer. This product helps in maintaining the grip’s tackiness and decreases natural wear and tear, extending the longevity of your golf club. Apply the grip enhancer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically by spraying or rubbing it evenly across the grip. Let it dry completely before using the club.

How to Store and Maintaining a Clean Golf Club Driver

When not in use, the best place to store a golf club is in a hard-sided travel case or bag. If you don’t have one of these, choose an area with minimal temperature and humidity changes – a closet or storage room is ideal for this purpose. When placing the clubs in the bag, try to keep them in a single layer – this will help prevent the clubs from hitting each other and causing damage. Additionally, make sure to cover the heads of the clubs with soft headcovers for extra protection.

To keep your golf club driver in the best shape, wipe the clubs with a damp cloth after each use, as well as deep clean them once every couple of months. Ensure you follow all the steps above carefully when deep cleaning and drying your clubs for optimal results.

Top 3 Tutorial Video on How to Clean Golf Club Driver

FAQs

How often should I clean my golf club driver?

You should wipe your club with a damp cloth after each use to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime. Additionally, you may need to deep clean your golf clubs every couple of months for optimal results.

How should I store my golf club driver when not in use?

The best way to store your golf club driver when not in use is in a hard-sided travel case or bag. If you don’t have one of these, choose an area with minimal temperature and humidity changes – a closet or storage room is ideal for this purpose.

What steps should I follow to deep clean my golf club driver?

First, remove any dirt and debris from the club using a dry microfiber cloth or brush. Then use warm soapy water to wash all surfaces of the shaft and grip, starting from the top and working your way down. For more stubborn dirt or stains on the shaft and grip, use a soft-bristle brush. Finally, dry all surfaces thoroughly with a clean towel and apply a metal or shaft polish and/or a grip enhancer to restore the look of the club.

Can I use any type of soap for deep cleaning my golf club driver?

It is best to use mild soap when cleaning your golf club driver, as harsh chemicals can damage the surface of the shaft and grip. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners such as steel wool or wire brushes as they may cause further damage.

What can I do to prevent scratches on my golf club driver?

When handling your clubs, try to avoid bumping them against other objects which could potentially cause scratches. Make sure to store your clubs in a case or bag when not in use, and use headcovers to protect the club heads. Additionally, you can apply a specialized golf club metal polish regularly to keep them looking new for longer.

Can I fix deep scratches on my golf club driver?

Light surface scratches may be minimized using a shaft or metal polish specifically designed for golf clubs. Deeper scratches may require a light abrasive. After applying the polish/abrasive, buff the surface with a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess product.

How do make your golf driver look new?

To make your golf driver look new, start by wiping the club with a damp cloth after each use to prevent the build-up of dirt and grime. Additionally, you should deep clean your golf clubs every couple of months for optimal results. Finally, cover the head with a soft headcover for extra protection when not in use.

How to get rid of sky marks on my driver?

Sky marks occur when a golf driver is hit too low on the face of the club. To get rid of these marks, start by cleaning the club with warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Then use a specialized golf club metal polish to gently buff out any remaining marks. You can also try using a light abrasive such as toothpaste or baking soda to help remove the marks. Finally, buff the surface with a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess product and apply a metal or shaft polish and/or a grip enhancer for extra protection.

What can I use to clean my golf clubs at home?

To clean your golf clubs at home, the best approach is to mix a mild detergent in warm water and use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the grip and shaft. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners such as steel wool or wire brushes as they may cause further damage.

Photo of author
Author
Dominic J. Leon
Dominic J. Leon. I am a golfer with a deep passion for golf right from my childhood. I have added unbiased product reviews for all the latest golf equipment from the market leaders. Follow me on: Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin, Tumblr.